Bronx Attorneys Discuss Fatal Accidents with Service Vehicles

March 4, 2019March 4, 2019

We see them all over the streets of the Bronx and throughout New York City. Garbage trucks, sand spreaders, dump trucks and other industrial vehicles. They are often known for causing accidents with smaller passenger vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles – especially during the nighttime hours.

Service vehicle accidents often happen when drivers are inexperienced, inattentive, impaired by alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly, or drowsy. Due to the size and weight of many service vehicles, they can inflict serious harm to other road users in a crash.

Local incidents

NBC New York reported that in January, a woman was killed after being struck by a sanitation truck spreading sand on the street. The accident happened in the Bronx when the truck made a left turn onto northbound Willis Avenue. After hitting the woman, the driver took off. After the incident, the driver of the truck was suspended by the City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

“We are cooperating fully with the police investigation. The Sanitation Worker involved has been suspended. Additionally, DSNY safety personnel are also conducting an investigation,” the DSNY said in a statement.

Last year, private trash company Sanitation Salvage caught the attention of the city Business Integrity Commission and nonprofit safety advocates Transportation Alternatives after two people were struck and killed within six months.

After an investigation, the company was found to have a record of previous safety violations. The company’s license was suspended after a thorough audit and inspection – during which an employee who wasn’t authorized to operate a garbage truck was found driving while other trash workers were on break.

Filing a claim after a service truck accident

Filing an accident and personal injury claim after such an accident can be complex. In an accident with another passenger vehicle, you would be able to sue the other driver’s insurance company. After an accident with a sanitation truck, the approach to your personal injury claim depends greatly on whether the truck is owned by a private company or the city.

If your accident was caused by a company truck, you would be able to file a personal injury claim against that company. If your accident was caused by a municipal truck, you will have to file a notice of claim with the New York City Comptroller’s Office within 90 days. You can do so electronically, by mail, or in person.

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